Prudence looked at it and kissed it.
“Thank you, Prue,” said Fishpingle. He took the miniature from her and placed it with the letters in the tin box.
“Before my mother died, she sent for Lady Alicia, her old mistress. Her ladyship took charge of me and brought me here.”
“But your father, Uncle Ben? Didn’t he want you?”
“He was not his own master. He married again later on. A small provision was made for me, not much. That is all. What I have told you is between our two selves. Promise?”
“I promise and vow! But why didn’t you marry? A man must love somebody.”
“I have loved Sir Geoffrey, Master Lionel, her ladyship and you.”
He kissed her tenderly, and she rose to her feet. In his ordinary tone he said:
“Be off to your work. If Mrs. Randall asks any questions, you can say that I had need of you.”
She hesitated.